Lawrence Joseph Henderson

Lawrence Joseph Henderson (1878–1942) was a prominent physiologist, biochemist, and sociologist at Harvard University. He is most recognized for his work on the physiological theory of acid-base homeostasis.

Early Life and Education

Henderson was born on June 3, 1878, in Lynn, Massachusetts. He attended Harvard University, where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1898, and his medical degree in 1902.

Career

After completing his education, Henderson joined the faculty at Harvard University. He made significant contributions to the field of biochemistry and physiology, particularly in the area of acid-base homeostasis. His work led to the development of the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation, which is used to calculate the pH of a buffer solution.

In addition to his scientific work, Henderson was also a pioneer in the field of sociology. He founded the Department of Social Relations at Harvard University, which was one of the first of its kind in the United States.

Legacy

Henderson's work has had a lasting impact on the fields of physiology, biochemistry, and sociology. His contributions to the understanding of acid-base homeostasis have been particularly influential, and the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation continues to be a fundamental concept in biochemistry.

See Also

• Henderson-Hasselbalch equation
• Acid-base homeostasis
• Harvard University